What to See in Mainz

Many visitors to Mainz end up there after a Rhine river cruise, but it’s worth sticking around.

The cathedral is one of the biggest sites in town and also one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Germany, while the Gutenberg Museum tells the story of Johann Gutenberg, who invented the type printing technique in the 15^th century.

There is also an amazing botanical garden, run by the University of Mainz, with walkways taking you past 8,500 species of plants and flowers. You can also buy flowers at Markt square, where there is a market on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings. It’s on the north side of the cathedral.

Head to the old city and climb the hill to Stephanskirche church, founded in 990. Descend to Kirschgarten, home to one of the best photo opportunities in the city: a small square with half-timbered houses in the traditional style.

You will also get good photos at Schillerplatz, a tree-lined square that has been a plaza since Mainz was ruled by the ancient Romans. Head down to the Rhine to get some fresh air and you can walk for hours along its banks, where in summer you will find beer gardens and ice cream stands galore.